But hey everyone, welcome to the 2023 GHC State Championships on GPB Island and good.

And we are live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium for three days of jam packed championship action.

We have Girls flag football and boys football to newcomers for the boys.

This year in Perry and Stockbridge, they face each other tomorrow and two defending champs in Prince Avenue, Christian and Boughton.

They play today.

Let's take a look at what's coming up today.

First it will be flag Football Division one between Southeast Bullock and North Oconee.

The Yellow Jackets are undefeated at 61 and no in program history and have won back to back state titles going for number three.

Then at 4:00 it's the single-A Division one boys matchup between Waynesboro and Prince Avenue.

Christian, This is a rematch from last year's title game where he won.

And tonight at 7:00, it's the single-A Division two showdown between Bolton and Manchester.

This is also a rematch of the week one game where the Blue Devils took home the W. That's what's happening here on set.

Let's send it down to the field.

And John, it's a very special week for the girls, isn't it?

No doubt about it.

First time ever that the flag football titles are decided here on the floor at Mercedes-Benz caught up with both of the coaches before the game.

Coach Lasley North Oconee, they're concerned about the first 5 minutes.

They want to make sure that they can just get into the rhythm of the game.

North Oconee has some players that have played the last game of the year in other sports, they got the chance to talk to the other players, to have them understand the gravity of what's going on here today.

They also got to spend some time at the house of Payne up in Athens to get used to playing on turf southeast.

Bullock On the other hand, you mentioned it, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, 61, to know as they chased 62.

I couldn't quite think of who 61 is for the Falcons this season.

But anyway, you mentioned all of those numbers.

Southeast Bullock has had four players who've been in a combine here at Mercedes-Benz.

They know the turf, they know the pressure, they know what it means to win a state championship as they chase after number three.

That's the story downstairs.

Let's send it to the guys who are calling all the flag football action for us.

It's Dave Reynolds and the voice of black football on GPB, our wily ballot.

Gentlemen, take it away.

Thanks, Nellie.

Great insight, as always.

And the biggest stage in the state, One of the biggest stages in the nation, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the site of our Division one Flag football state championship.

And welcome inside the television booth alongside our flag football analyst Dave Reynolds.

I'm Wiley Ballard and you guys said it right.

Southeast Bullock has never lost a game in their three years.

They truly are Goliath.

Meanwhile, North Oconee just in their second year as a program.

The plucky underdog there, David.

And we spoke with head coach Lashley.

He told us that they got to bring their slingshots if they want to pull off the upset today, everybody bring your stones.

Take a deep breath.

Let's play flag football.

They have athletes.

So doing so.

Let's start with the defending champions and Alex Odom, their star player.

She had a touchdown in the state championship win last season.

If Southeast Bullock wins another, she'll be a big part of it.

Yeah, absolutely.

Number two, what an incredible athlete and personality.

She's the swag player who want the ball in every single play, two way player who leads the team with 20 interceptions on the season.

A lot of talent on the field today.

But again number two Alex Odom for Southeast Bullock North Oconee, their deepest run in flag football history through the state playoffs.

They would not be there without Grace Maddox.

She's been a monster on both sides of the ball.

Yeah.

Does everything points as well So she's all over the football field absolute burner not afraid to go get it.

Already committed to Louisville University had five interceptions all in the postseason, including three last week in the semifinal.

So yeah, expect Grace managed to be all over the field in all three aspects of flag football today.

Now this is the fourth year of flag football sanctioned by GHC.

So for those you need a refresher on the rules and the key differences between flag football and tackle football.

Dave, Take it away.

Yeah, the football field today will be 80 yards long and 40 yards wide.

First down.

It'll be achieved by gaining the zone line to game, which are fixed lines 20 yards apart.

Big rule change this year will play for ten minute corners with warning clock until the last 2 minutes of each half under 2 minutes the clock will stop similar to tackle football, incomplete passes, scores and so forth.

Every player's able to get a four passer looks better, watch the center get involved in pass game today.

Last one Flag football, two non-contact contact sports like basketball.

But we're not going to initiate contact their hands.

The first of 11 footballs state championships beginning in a matter of moments as the southeast Bullock Yellowjackets in the north.

Oconee Titans take the field southeast Bullock all the way from Brooklyn at Georgia and South Georgia near Statesboro.

And as John noted, North Oconee over the Athens area from Bogart, Georgia, and Southeast.

Bullock winning the toss.

They have opted to defer.

So North Oconee with the first possession on first and sixth, we get this one started and it's a snap to Asher Sinclair, who pitches out to the right down the sideline.

It's handled by Reece Riddle, our Beg your pardon?

Handled by Grace Maddox.

Yeah.

First play of the game, go to Impact Player.

Just trying to spread the offense around a little bit there.

Again, that pitching will be a big part of the offense today.

So after a gain of five or maybe part second down and six and that'll be just short actually third down and one big run from Reece Riddle.

Yeah, good direct snap right here.

Little wildcat here free flag football fans and just start to get back up the field Make it 31/3 manageable here again let's call the nerves down first possession and from there North Oconee just their second year They were knocked out in the second round last season by Pace Academy and our first pass is complete to Maddox and stretched across.

He's got the first down.

Catherine Cooper slings it.

Let's take a look at the starting lineup for North Oconee on the offensive side along with quarterback Catherine Cooper.

Here's a look at her weapons.

Reece Riddle, the senior who was the quarterback last year, Blake week being a part of the four man receiver grouping and Olivia DICKERSON there at the center spot, a senior as well, and a first team area selection last year.

So first down and 17 pitch goes out to the left side down the sideline.

A good pull there from Ava King on Reese riddles take a look at southeast Bullock's defense.

You take a look at the rushers up front Jaiden Williams Christianity's beat Kaylee more Kelsey Johnson The linebacking corps and in the secondary the Odom sisters along with Ava King and the defensive back group.

This is a Southeast bullock defense that has not given up a score in over a month.

You got to go back to early November.

The last time they surrendered points, the ball spotted about 11 yards short of the line to gain second down and 11.

They said Maddox in motion play action.

Cooper throws it over the middle.

Let's complete it off and ready just shy of the first down.

Great snag that time from the center Olivia DICKERSON did.

Yeah.

So I like what we're doing coming out of the gate here.

We see 32 Maddox in motion.

See the defense get fooled.

There goes right to the play maker.

They're really good, solid, strong hands there by DICKERSON and gets the ball extended.

Make it very short third down play barely more with the pull it'll be third down and one they've got to get across midfield here to reach the next zone to gain once more Maddox in motion this time to snap to real She's got the first that's a new set of downs for North Oconee again first drive now spread the ball around little bit a motion person going that way this way already had a direct snap gives the first down but does bring up a very long first and 18 for the titans.

What do you see from this formation with North Oconee David seems to be very tight, bunched up near the line of scrimmage.

Yeah.

So again, it's all these ball's defense solid up front with the two rushers.

So how I see this coach trying to slow down the two rushers this first drive yet again Maddox in motion this time she'll take the pass and hold it in but her flag is pulled for a loss.

Great hands from Kaylee Moore.

They call her a wild banshee in that linebacking spot.

Nice job right there.

Again, Impact Player going right back to her again.

Nice job staying with that pass Ball was tipped defenders all the way around her locked in and for the first time today it feels like North Oconee is behind the chains a little bit second down and 21 as they're working on the new play goal here from Jay Lasley.

What a state championship is.

The head baseball coach also told me just this past spring it's pretty good to head coach state championships in one calendar year.

We got a penalty flag comes from way behind the boards our official Brian Kelly thank you guy they in play first and second down.

Well that is one penalty that if you watch tackle football you're familiar with that yeah the play cards are a little different tackle football it's just a hard 25 here compared to the 40 that we use in tackling all too long.

They're trying to get that second down play in.

So now it's third and about forever.

So second round.

COOPER A strike over the middle, in and out of the hands.

Maddox Couldn't quite squeeze it.

Now it's third down and long.

And from a strategic standpoint, they got to get them to throw here, what are you looking for?

A third and 21 situation?

Yeah, just chop it in half if you can.

But again, so far it's been very intermediate, the short plays.

So we've got to open the playbook up a little bit here on this third down.

It'll be four down territory If we can gain time to gain a few more yards here, we start down, play the shrimp split out to the right first time.

We've seen that formation here in this opening drive.

But also Tony Duper with time to to Maddox and she's taking down the flag.

It's still a test against the call it big illegal contact defense.

Right.

And this is just a spot where you really can't afford to make a tackle in flag football, right?

Yeah.

Like I said in the open, this is a non-contact contact.

Sports, so that'd be very good The rest of the afternoon here, the bends.

But now we bring back up third down again, replay the down so the offense hasn't changed.

We still have the chop down the half so know it on this side of the field I'd imagine time to go from a fourth down as well.

So it's third down and 13 under duress.

Cooper lets it fly.

It's caught, but a modest game.

I tell you, Odom was right there or beg big, important.

That's actually Kelsey Johnson new new formation right there but he's brought way back in again.

Again kudos to the offense will be going for it on fourth down assist plays ball defense keep everything in front right there.

This is a key distinction there no fake punts in a flag football so we're going to go for it.

You have to declare prior to the place they will go for it.

Got to get to the 30 yard line on the field.

The goal line is the ten yard line of this 80 yard flag football field.

Cooper has to sling it away and she cannot get it out to her target looking for Grace Maddox.

And that's turnover on downs And now southeast Bullock takes over just over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.

Yeah very nice job up front by the two.

RUSH applying the pressure on the quarterback, not giving the receivers enough time to get downfield.

I think even if that ball was completed, the flow pulled before the line to game.

So Ben, Don Brandt, good job getting off the field for the Yellowjacket defense and now the Southeast Bullock Yellowjackets again.

They have never lost a game talking to and taking a deep shot on the first play and she over shoots Natalia Odum, that time sophomore, younger sister of Alex Odom.

There's a look at Corinne Tarkington, senior quarterback throwing for 4000 yards in her career play a little bit one back last year moved the quarterback this year with the graduation of last year Seniors absolute stud quarterback poise calm collective way to knock down some nerve their first play just taking a shot why not?

And now unlike North Oconee southeast boy, they've got all their receivers spread way out here and little chest pass for to the center Chloe Cochran who pitches it and this is a live ball here unless they rule that it was a forward pass or maybe they're saying Cochran was down.

Yeah I think the flag was pulled prior to the pitch.

Yeah, I'm okay with that.

And again, that's the bread and butter right there.

Southeast Bowl.

What makes the yellow so good on offense?

The ability to pitch and catch more short passes.

Find the open person in space now third down and five got to get to midfield to get that new zone and a nice fake.

This is J.C. Kitchens who stretches across she's got the first down for southeast Bullock.

What do you like about that play date Yeah she's fast she's shifty again mid level misdirection comes back inside and then gets the ball extended over the line again.

So in flag football with the ball is located when the flag bell is pulled is where the ball be spotted.

So nice job picking the first down there.

We've already seen some instances here in the first quarter where if you're watching a tackle game, you might think ball security wasn't a priority.

Tell me more about why that's not a problem.

And flag as this pass in out of the hands of David King and even on that play we saw we'll come back to that.

Here's a look at our offensive starters.

We mentioned Corinne talking to the quarterback spot here, a look at her weapons and we've seen almost everyone targeted so far ready.

In fact, I think everyone's either had a target or had their hands on the ball already.

And just the first five plays or so for the Yellowjackets so second down and 19 talking to and a little bit of pressure dumps it off complete to Cochran down the left side and her flag is yanked just inside of the 40 yard line on this Mercedes Benz field.

Yeah.

Again support for four ball security and flag football when the ball hit the ground balls dead.

So the pitching going backwards, a hit, the ground is dead, extending the ball out like we saw right there on that play.

The ball's knocked out of the hand.

That's a penalty.

So we're not worried about ball security and flag football.

Final 10 seconds of the first quarter.

We'll see if Southeast boy wants to get one more play off.

They will hit a pitch.

Now talking ten redirects over the top and it's in and out of even kings hands.

Oh.

She glances down at her fingertips and says, Come on, I brought these gloves with me today.

What's going on?

10 minutes in the books, no score.

North Oconee Sound of the Post fourth quarter.

Thrilled to have you with us as we are getting State Championship Week started live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium on GPB.

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No score a southeast bullock in North Oconee.

This is a division one flag football state championships which is comprised of Class eight for eight.

Inside the Georgia High School Sports Association.

There's a look inside the North Oconee Huddle, and there is Marcy and Nick Cochran, really the most trusted source on flag football across all coaches in the state of Georgia.

Yeah, if you ask around the state, all the coaches around true ambassadors for the staff, the game of flag football but Cochran's willing to share information, maybe edit the sides or play Coleman how to develop a program, develop an offense defense Yeah.

Shout out to the couple from Brooklyn, Georgia Golf Oconee coach Jay Larson called Marci Southeast Bullock has elected to go for it on fourth down called Marci before the start of their program looking for advice.

So here we are, fourth down and eight.

They got to get to the 30 on this field in that pass.

Oh, what an effort from Alex Odom.

She did not grill it in the meeting.

Complete.

That was almost a spectacular snap.

Good googly Merkley.

Nice job right there.

By enough time.

Just get it right there and then just oh, lay it out for she didn't want that back on the play that she can make of it doesn't go away on that pick the fourth down play.

So each team has now possess the ball once for already in the second quarter day which goes ahead.

Shows how in flag football it's a game of few possessions running clock up.

It's the final 2 minutes of each half and it's time to snap.

Throw it up, back on a break, pull the backfield.

Reece Riddle was caught behind the line.

Great play from Jayden Williams, One of the rushers.

Just don't be right there.

Reece Little tries to get to the edge.

Can't do it.

Chop it down again.

That's what makes Southeast Bullock so good on defense.

Those two up front applying pressure to a lot of different players offensively.

But one thing we saw there too, Dave, she was so aggressive about going right at the flag.

You cannot be afraid of contact even in what is called a non-contact sport, right?

You're looking to initiate contact.

But again, two people in the same spot, same space.

It might happen.

Cooper zips it over the middle in and out of the clutches of Alexis Favro, quickly, already third down.

You know, so far on the Bullock defense has not responded a whole lot to Grayson Maddox going in motion.

So everybody is staying home for the Yellowjacket defense as some kind of adjustments to tighten offense can make.

Katherine Cooper sophomore quarterback peering over towards the sideline for the call.

Coach Larson got to get to midfield for a new zone and a fresh set of downs.

Cooper steps into the throw.

It's complete.

It'll be fourth.

But now it's decision time for Coach Lasley.

A good catch them.

Olivia DICKERSON Several different plays and all of it's trying to get to the edge right there is going right back up the middle to number two to the center reason for that.

SHORT Yeah.

Tony has elected to punt on fourth down.

I agree with the point right here.

Grayson Maddox is booming.

Back down the field.

You're a soccer player.

Flip the field back over and watch defense go back to work.

As you mentioned off the top, Chris Maddox, future Louisville Cardinal on the soccer pitch and angling towards the sideline Lands are down here, the first and about five or so to reach out.

But again, I think you see that decision right there, that kind of six signals coach largely strategy of, you know, I guess a team like south east.

But that's never lost a game.

They've rounded many opponent.

They want to try and find a way to get to the fourth quarter.

Yeah.

Just take what other team gives you so right there smart play on the ball little angled kick away from the play makers and return to reset regroup so first down and six from the 14 yard line a little give and go and a nice pull from DICKERSON kitchens and talking to him to get a we didn't get a chance to highlight Falcone's defense here's a look at their starting seven beginning up front with their rushers rusher Ellen Pasternak and then three linebackers Tatum Lunsford, Olivia DICKERSON and Reese real a lot of two way players on this team, Blake weeping and Taylor Dillard in the corner spots and Grace Maddox and their captain at the free safety spot.

Now a deep shot in collision between receiver and corner will flag come out?

No, it's not the call this incidental contact here.

What do you see here that yeah, maybe not initiating contact there, but definitely running the receiver out of out of bounds there.

There's no uncatchable pass.

We flag football so he had maybe a 5050 call right there talking to two for six from the air so far for just 17 yards and a rush up the middle into a mess and they will rule the first down So on third down and one south bullying just wants to move the chains near you.

So as you see on offense for the Yellow Jackets, how many playmakers can catch the ball and get back up field.

So right there on Third short brings the offense in fun open person there for a short pickup and a first down.

If a king looking for another shot here Chase he catches the up back snap goes to talking to She goes on the right sideline this time autumn is there She hauls it in but with the feet down no incomplete.

Alex asking to get a second opinion from the back.

Josh really good camera work right here by GPB and just Oh doesn't get the foot down and by the way we will not have we will not have video review and flag football this week but a really good start there.

Again, very athletic ability.

Go get the high point there and almost gets the foot down inbounds.

So second down of 19 talking to dancing in the pocket and her toss is short looking for he hood and so far southeast Bullock's offense not quite cooking the way we normally see it, Dave but do you think North Oconee is doing is slowing down.

Yeah talking to his doing a really good job the quarterback to extend the play but just maybe find a little bit of extra pressure right there on quarterback and just a smidge off or hair off some of these passes that could be big plays that we haven't seen yet but the yellow jacket, it's a third down and 19.

They've got to get to midfield for a new set of downs.

That's why you'll see North Oconee defense sag off a little bit here, trying to prevent Southeast Bullock from gaining the zone in plus territory talking to it over the middle and another hard collision the flag comes soaring out a couple of them and it looks like we're going to have a penalty against North Oconee defensively.

Yeah I think even if Neely had a flag on the sideline, he lit one in right there as well.

Pretty clear pass pass interference defense and ten yards for the previous spot.

We played third down.

So still third down though it's not an automatic first down, but it is a ten yard penalty.

It's now third down and nine got to get to the 50 on the field.

Again, these numbers on Mercedes-Benz, a little confusing because it's an 80 yard field for flag football, 40 yards wide.

So the goal line, instead of being the Falcons goal line, they're actually the ten year Auburn.

So see talking to just two for eight trying to get things going in the passing game.

This time she'll tuck it and run and pitch back towards midfield.

That got the first down off those pitches.

If she runs out of bounds written down by Tatum Lunsford and will get a late flag here also at the end of the playing spot check on ten more yards I believe in a flag in it up in the batter Southeast Bullock's holding defense at ten yard penalty will be added to the end of the run.

Yeah.

So get it here.

Nice job by the quarterback to look one direction and extend the play and it was the pitch right back Nice job for getting in paid relationship there we've got number ten also there just in case we need her But then give me a little tackle right there in the play so brings up first down the short talking in zips it in it is complete to the tell you ultimate battle for the ball whistles.

Oh my goodness this guy will extra something.

Oh my goodness.

This is a non-contact contact sport day in the state final Italian open.

She was tied up with Taylor Dillard.

Dillard wound up with the football.

What happened here?

You got a lot of players in this field that are not afraid to go make a play.

So very physical play there.

But number seven, probably too much.

And then again, we have aggressive players who are athletes in multiple sports.

Again, we got to keep our call them down or nerve down.

It's a big moment, obviously, but both teams knew how to calm it down or calmer as an athlete.

Right?

We were a better athlete.

So I'm sure both silent, talking to the players to calm everybody down.

I think what we saw here is Dillard had her hand on the ball trying to break up the pass.

Yeah, personal foul on the offense and personal foul on the defense.

Those penalties will offset he put her first down.

So the clock has stopped for the minute to six and 2 minutes to play.

I think it's going to be that personal foul there on Taylor Dillard.

And I know Alex Odom came to her sisters defense her younger sisters defense when she got tied up.

That's when that second flag came out.

So it is first and goal and kitchens her flag pulled at the five so it's a gain of two second and goal from the five so now they were under 2 minutes of the half clock will stop on incomplete passes scores the same for so again it's clock runs here because the play was inbound expect the time management piece to be important here on the back half of the second quarter.

Each team has three timeouts for the entire game, not just the first half.

It's kitchens talking to two pitches, floats it up top that in the air and intercepted to Dillard intercepts it They blow the play dead for a touchback but a huge play from Taylor Dillard the sophomore she's a cheerleader by trade but she left high in the air and snagged it.

Yeah, getting a relentless effort right there.

The interception was down in the end zone for a touchback.

Really?

It was effort, right?

Big time energy at the 14 guys.

I'm staying with the tip there.

But number seven, just a sophomore.

And again, you can see the passion with these girls out here in the football field.

Her coach, Jay Lasley, compared her to Larry Bird in the way she can trash talk.

Yeah, good.

Not terrible pass there.

Maybe one that we want back if you're the yellow jacket offense there through the back of the endzone and just again the ball tipped up and bounced toward the Titans in that play.

How aggressive will North Oconee be after that huge turnover in the end zone?

And it's a snap this one to riddle her flag yanked away by Kelsey Johnson.

Yeah the clock will stop for the first down and once we had the right play by the referee the clock should I believe, start to take again.

So yeah, you had the ball to start the game for the Titans.

But again, don't force anything because again the seven offense to go check is going to score play so first in 26 yards to go to the end zone Reece Riddle by the way five carries 22 yards.

Now they send Maddox in motion and Cooper zips it up top and it's called in by Alexis Favro.

Clock will run on the completion gain of five.

Yeah, really nice effort right there on the flag.

Boom.

We got to have that there.

Right there by Kelly Moore.

And we get it because if she missed that flag ball, it might be to the house.

So nice job of keeping the play in front of you.

45 seconds left and right in the first half.

COOPER Off the hands of Olivia DICKERSON.

Her center clock stops at 35 seconds.

It's third down and 15.

Yeah, that's one Number 11 Don't want back next time last year all area center good hand this one that she can deftly catch all those little high and still very catchable ball for the snap so trips up to the right and receiver down to the bottom to the right it's favaro and she trips over the sideline keep running out of bounds the spotter at the 40 as she runs out of bounds she does get the clock stopped.

If you're North Oconee, it's fourth down at nine.

I assume you get a punt here, right?

Got to kick it away.

30 seconds to go.

The ball going for the half has elected to punt, kick it down there.

But the defense finished a half in the locker room, tied up.

You know, Nellie told us before the game about how Coach Lasley just wanted to keep it under control.

Those first 5 minutes let those nerves settle down.

They're facing Southeast Bullock 61 and oh, all time over the three years as a program.

And this punt rolls into the end zone for a touchback.

So the 20 seconds on the clock it will be Yellowjacket ball to begin the third quarter.

We'll see if they opt to take a deep shot here before the half.

Nice, casual 46 yard punt right there only stopped because the goal line was there again, that's why Grace Mannix is the player and I think the story here early, Dave, is how well North Oconee has slowed down Southeast Bullock's potent offense by talking to loading up, perhaps looking for a deep ball, and now she sends it complete to Odom.

And the flag yanked inbounds with 10 seconds left.

It is a first down and the clock will stop momentarily.

So here we go.

Final 10 seconds.

Talking to will she take the deep shot, trying to buy time still alive, hoisted high in the air and interception dropped by Grayson Maddox.

She wanted to crack and trying to run that one back.

But we have hit halftime here in division one flag football state championship play, North Oconee David taking on Goliath in southeast Bullock and neither has landed their slingshot yet.

Jon Nelson is on the sidelines with head coach Marci Cochran for Southeast Bullock Thank you very much WILEY Spirit 20 minutes I'll use the word spirited at times.

Yeah.

This is a fight right here.

The officials are letting anybody escape as the only way they can stop is I put in a body on ice.

And I mean, the officials are allowed to do that.

We got tough enough and get fight through that.

And at the same time, they were running stack defensively, trying to him encouraging that offense.

What do you think you're going to look at here to get ready for the second half because you get the ball to start.

Yeah, get the ball, start right here.

We're going to try our best.

We use our short game a whole lot here.

We've been trying to throw it deep and get a home run.

Hit it right now.

But I think we're might try to shorten up a little bit.

Get five yards out of top.

Thanks, Marshall.

Send it back upstairs to Wiley and Dave.

Thanks, John.

Well, two quarters in the books too, looking for our first points.

But as Coach Cochran mentioned, it's a fight out there and the blood and juices are flowing at Regions Bank.

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Welcome to the football.

Friday's Georgia halftime show presented by Regions Get Back in the game with Regions Bank.

I'm Hannah Goodin.

We are live at Mercedes Benz Stadium for three days of championship action and we've got a treat for you here on the halftime show.

First it was our very first game.

We were at.

Perhaps let's take a look at the score on Georgia's EMC scoreboard.

Georgia see and see so much more than electricity.

So it's speed division one flag football championship game which is single-A through quad that's southeast Bullock versus North Oconee We are scoreless all zeros The Yellowjackets undefeated at 61 two now in program history they have won back to back titles going for number three.

We'll see what happens in the second half.

It's time now for our you say that pharmacy Georgia players spotlight and it's no other than the yellow jackets.

Addie Hood here's her story is about to a bit so Addie Hood has helped lead her team to two state championships.

We will get that package for you in just a second.

North Oconee, on the other hand, has won four games in a row.

They're averaging 20 points on offense, holding opponents to six points.

So the second half should be very interesting as they huddle at half.

Okay, We have Addie Story ready for you.

Let's roll it.

I. I just read the quarterback.

Whatever way you're going.

I'll follow.

I usually follow your eyes and throw it, and then I just catch it.

And she's diving after flags, laying out for balls, things like that.

Our team gets excited and they just feed off of her energy.

And it helps us win games.

The first couple of games, people really didn't take us seriously until they started seeing us win.

We are lucky enough to have one t state championships at Southeast Bullock and to do it undefeated three years ago.

I never would have thought that playing five football would have led me to go into college.

Much more from Addie and the Yellow Jackets in the second half.

All right.

I promised you a treat.

And here it is, the single-A division.

One matchup will be next at 4:00 between Waynesboro and Tassie.

We have Prince Avenue Christian head coach Gregg Vandegrift.

We have Waynesboro head coach Scott Roberts.

Thank you both for joining me.

Now, I know this is a rematch of last year's championship game where we won.

So I told you we were going to keep it, like they're going to keep it nice and like you had a three hour drive.

You had a one hour drive over.

What was the morning like?

Oh, I mean, I'm just ready to get going and, you know, keep us busy all day instead of having to sit around and think about it.

Obviously, everybody's excited to get the opportunity to play and, you know, it gave us something to do.

So kept busy and we're ready to go.

Coach Vandegrift, what is it like being here at the Bend?

There hasn't been a state championship here in four plus years.

What is it like?

What's it like so far?

I know you guys just got here.

Well, it's awesome environment, you know, We're just like this.

This is incredible.

You Know just walking in, driving up, seeing the bend, knowing you're going to play in it.

It's just really surreal for our kids.

Now, you've had three huge road wins this road game number four, Is there some sort of tradition that you have?

What's the message to the team and how do you keep everybody focused on the road?

Oh, it's really just we start there.

So those last two weeks of the season and it put us on the road from week one and the playoffs.

And so, you know, we just kind of embraced it as it went on and and our our kids have done a great job with it has going on.

We've just kind of taken on that road warrior mentality and, you know, we got to try and figure out a way to do it one more time.

So a lot of film being watched on each other.

I know, I know you're very familiar with each other.

Your quarterback, Aaron Veilleux, has had an outstanding year, almost broke Trevor Lawrence, his career passing record.

How has he been preparing for the state championship game?

Well, you know, had a little disappointment as it started because we got a forfeit.

So it made us a little concerned that he may not have a chance to break that record, you know, And so we just talked about it and said, look, we got to win ballgames.

If we win ballgames, we have a chance.

And if we don't, you know, we're just going to leave it all on the field every Friday night.

And so same thing here.

You know, we'll go out there and try to win the ballgame.

And if he breaks the record, we'll celebrate the end.

We will have our eye on that the entire game.

So for you, how is your team preparing both offensively and defensively as well?

Well, I mean, we know we've got a tough task in front of us.

Aaron is a heck of a player and he's got a heck of a supporting cast around him.

And we've got to do our best to try and contain them, you know, and just that offensively and defensively, we've just got to play really good football and and we have we got to play playoff football.

That's what we've been doing the last few weeks and it's different.

You got to make sure that you take care of the football and you've got to make sure that you tackle well.

And we've been doing that and we got to, you know, if we can do that, maybe we'll give ourselves a chance.

The Tigers have not won the trophy in 23 years.

What would this mean to your community?

I mean, everything.

I mean, that's what I mean.

I know it would to our program, but to our community, it would it would be very special and very important.

I know that they've been this whole the four weeks we've been on the road in the playoffs, they've been an amazing energy for us.

They brought amazing energy for us on the road.

And so I know it would be really special for the whole town.

And now you're playing in your fourth straight title game you won last year, 2022, you won in 2020.

How does that give you an edge being here?

Well, I just think our kids are relaxed, you know, You know what to expect.

It's not that first journey, just like it's Waynesboro.

And we're going to be more relaxed this year, you know, And you sort of get to focus more on the game versus all the things that aren't happening.

And, you know, again, it's just awesome.

You know, our seniors think about it like never end of the game, not in the in the championship.

So it's awesome for them.

Well, if this was our podcast, I'd be asking you to break down the game.

I'd be asking you to share secrets.

We're not going to do that here, guys.

Thank you so much for being here on set with us.

I know it wasn't super easy to find.

We appreciate the time and we cannot wait for you guys.

This game is coming up.

Thank you so much.

But guys, done a great job and look forward to a good game.

Yeah, and thank you guys for watching the region's halftime show.

More from the Division one Flag football game.

It's North Oconee.

It's Southeast Bullock It's scoreless at the half.

Next, right after this.

What you're doing Hey just finishing this plan to get Dave back on the road.

Nice.

Oh wonder what Dave's to you.

Do your thing.

We've got you covered.

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Just looking.

I only buy local and sustainable, so.

Oh, well, that shirt's not local.

You should be wearing cotton.

Georgia's a major supplier of cotton worldwide, so if you'd like to buy local to support Georgia.

Buying cotton is a great place to start.

It's renewable and sustainable.

Naturally.

Thanks.

And that's a polyester fiber made of oil.

By the way, where's your dressing room?

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Visit your student dashboard on gay futures.

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Welcome back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Division one State flag football championships scoreless at the half you're inside the Benz.

We are thrilled to welcome you back up into the television booth alongside David Reynolds, our flag football analyst, and Wiley Ballard.

And you know, Dave Mann, we saw a lot of emotions, some physical play there in those first 20 minutes.

What were your takeaways from the first two quarters?

Like we thought, right.

Big moment, big building, all the above.

Big, big light.

Okay, everybody take a deep breath and now it's all about playing flag football.

Here we go.

We got 20 minutes.

We know what's on the line.

We have the streak.

We have the second year program.

Now it's just about playing flag football.

Calm down, play petty, catch poor flags and see what happens.

Well, we heard from Marsha Cochran in southeast.

But let's go back down to the field and hear from North Oconee.

Head coach was John Nelson.

Thank you very much, Wylie.

Time to catch up on the flip side with North Akoni.

What did you think you wanted them to navigate that first five?

I think they navigated the first 20 pretty well.

They did a great job.

Big thing for us is we've got to just keep playing great defense, find a way to find some rhythm on offense and move the ball.

We knew coming in, you're playing Southeast Bullock there in Goliad, so we had to come in and take a little shots, try to to move the ball down the field.

We knew it was going to be a tough game.

Big thing for us going into the second half because we wanted to make sure we weren't down multiple scores.

So we're right where we want to be.

We got to keep playing good defense and find a little bit of offense and you run in that stack too.

That's kind of making sure that things are kept in that box and they're not allowed to navigate.

Coming up through the middle, they're having to work the edges.

And that's the big thing for us is just trying to make sure we're giving them different formations.

They do such a great job as far as the way they adjust offensively, If we just run out and run the same formations out every time, you'll have girls sitting in position make plays.

Thanks, Jack.

Yes, sir.

Send it back upstairs for the second half, guys.

There's North Oconee.

Thanks, Nellie.

Jay Lasley, head coach, North Oconee.

Not just for flag football, but also for baseball.

He's won back to back baseball state championships.

And, you know, we heard Jay talking about it, trying to keep this game close, going to the fourth quarter.

And it seems like they've benefited from a muddier track, if you will.

It's been slow going out there for both offenses.

Yeah, a lot of penalties in the first half.

Unusual for flag football, but again, trying to clean up a little bit.

Southeast Bullitt, just a hair off on the offense a couple really close tight incomplete passes again for tightened defense Keep everything in front we'll see with the Cochran's shoring up that playbook offensively.

Also for the yellow Jackets Coach Cochran discussed in her halftime visit with John about the physicality of the game.

How much of an impact do you think did that have on the first two quarters?

Yeah, again, the goal is to not have that contact in this play.

So hopefully both teams clean up a little bit.

Although like I said, we've got athletes galore out there, Division one athletes from multiple sports out there.

So again, fierce competitors in a small space.

So sometimes that happens in a small space inside a giant building.

I absolutely look at this place.

Come on.

Terrific setting to crown some football state champions here.

The next three days all across our coverage GPB sports happy to have you with us.

Start of the second half first and six from the 14 for Southeast Bullock's They're undefeated in their three years as a program and a reverse here from talking to good hips she's got space down the sideline dashing out towards the 40 yard line She's got her flag pole just shy of it.

Nice hips from Katherine talking to moving around, avoiding this pole.

Yeah.

Again, just too many options there.

When you make one person miss, expect to pick up ten more yards and flag football.

We see that right there.

Nice shot right there by the senior quarterback.

So a gain of 15 and now working to the left side here Kitchen stretches across should be a healthy gain out for about seven yards it'll be second down and four yeah how you build confidence on offense in flag football it's just picking up a couple of yards every single play staying on track similar tackle football obviously, but especially with the longer line two games for flag football.

J.C. Kitchens now over 40 yards rushing after that last rush kitchens with the ball in her hands pitches it out to talking ten trying to put a move again this time stopped in her tracks It'll bring up third down and short and the pull coming from Reese Riddle that time you want to have your best athlete on the field in flag football so we see a lot of two way players right there the running back and then now the linebacker on that stop right there keeping the playing in front of our big play third down and two Southeast Bulls looking to gain that next zone on to the Titans side of the field talking to to the air and incomplete Eddie Hood could not reel it in and now fourth down and two and what does the southeast Bullock want to do here First of all you got to love it I'll play baseball is elected to go for an arm angle there by the quarterback who just dropping that down a little bit right there and again ran out of space right there in the yellow jackets are going to go for it.

It's a pretty big play right here early in the third quarter.

Boy, they've got that line tight.

You've seen kitchens try to go between them.

It just sort of stretch out to midfield.

This time she tries to take the perimeter, stretches it across and she's got the first down riddle pulled the flag but kitchen said broke in midfield and southeast Bullock picks up first down going forward on fourth again speed on speed right here to the edge of the ball.

Nice job getting the ball on the line again when the flags pull.

And again, number 13, just flying around the football today.

Incredible speed.

Oh, so close.

Looking for Odom.

She has to slide to make the catch.

Natalia Odom, good to see her back out there on the field after that tough contact play down to the end zone late in the second quarter.

Yeah, Number nine for the fastest player on the field right there for the Yellowjackets.

A little frustration that she had to go down and get that pass and couldn't stay on her feet.

Talking to right across to Chloe Cochran in the center tumbles forward and brings up third, down and short.

Her parents, Marcy and Nick, the head coaches at Southeast Bullock and the coaches get out there making a big play.

Yeah.

So we go to the boundary.

To the boundary.

I'm back to back plays, having success on the edge and then.

Oh, yeah.

Hey, remember, your center can catch four passes also in flag football.

So nice shot right there.

Mixing up the playbook again.

Most of the stuff so far has been pretty short, which has been very successful for the Yellowjackets in the past, the third down and two that they went forward on fourth and two, you can be assured this is two down territory if necessary.

Kitchens out to talking ten she's both behind the line gain of maybe half a yard fourth and short go pretty nice job by Titan defense and keeping the edge right there and making the Tarkington cut it back We saw it has elected to go for one day at a run but even senior IQ at the high IQ point, you can tell she's looking for that next pitch.

The titans trying to get off the field with a stop catches up the gut.

Did she get it?

Yes.

By a guard lunging forward.

Tough play to defend in flag football when you have all those bodies right there.

And again, you're not supposed to initiate contact.

So advantage right there for the offense.

Just keep the ball moving down the field every single play, grab a couple of yards and stay on time.

Hitchens closing in on 50 yards, rushing first and goal from the 19.

This pass is complete to Ava King and Olivia DICKERSON, the middle linebacker with the pull.

King had a couple of big opportunities that slip through her fingers.

The first half she reels that one in and now it's second and goal from the nine halfway through the third quarter.

So many options for the quarterback here for the yellow jacket office bill to spread the ball around.

Just when you think one receiver's getting hot you to another one and we're catching all the pass we're back in rhythm here for yellow jacket offense.

Keep an eye on Alex Odom on the right side talking ten goes to the right side looking for Odom and she skips it incomplete.

They have not been able to get her going.

Just one catch for 11 yards and against the touch off on some of these passes connections right there Titans contain to bring one for the rusher the yellow jackets and not having my screen blocking so receivers went downfield again you can't run that space here right ahead to the red zone getting close to the goal line third and goal talking to dancing trying to stave off the pressure from Favro a throw to the back corner it is caught even King's got it touchdown southeast Bullock the relationship right there by the quarterback in the back blocking talking to know and we have time to extend the play because kitchens keeping the pass rusher in front of her and then just again relentless effort in the back of the end zone is tipped it's physical number ten stays with the ball comes down with it and then you see the emotion and the excitement and maybe a little sigh of relief here for the yellow jacket Team six touchdown for Ava King this year.

Southeast Bullock going for one extra point from the three yard line and they've got it Corinne Tarkington in for the point after in a seven nothing with just over 3 minutes left to go in the third quarter.

Davidson wanted to point out they had an option.

They're going for one point from the three yard line, two points for the five yard line and three points from a ten yard line.

Yeah.

So again, a difference there for flag football.

Being nine points away is a little different in flag football versus tackle football.

And then that's just about too easy for number five And she knows it again, whole sigh of relief right there.

We put some points on the board in the first drive coming out third quarter very methodically like Coach talked about at halftime, just slow and steady down the field and we see the Titans can respond 12 plays 80 yards in North Oconee getting their first possession of the second half with less than 3 minutes to go in the third quarter are precious.

This pass is complete.

Reece Wilson Space Kelsey Johnson snags her flag.

Listen if you're if you're the Titans faithful, you've played some really good flag football teams this season.

You've gone through Columbus and Calvary Days and other teams.

So just relax.

Take what the defense gives you right there.

We get a miss Poole on the edge, picks up an extra ten yards and a first down.

There's so much space give with just seven players.

Like you said, a miss tackle usually responds at ten yards, but results and this fluttering pass reeled in by Olivia DICKERSON to center.

It'll be second down and 11.

Just want to point out one more time for flag football with the clock running so much fewer possession.

So as we continue through the second half here, each possession becomes more and more valuable.

Tight formation riddle up the middle and gains a couple of yards.

But that's a win for Southeast Bullock's defense, right?

For the Yellowjackets on defense.

Just keep everything in front.

Use the clock here in the third quarter.

Right Clock is your friend right here.

Keep everything in front.

Don't miss flags.

Pulls.

And again, if you're the Titan offense here, at least cut this down and in half here on this third down and give yourself an option to either go forward or kick in on fourth down.

All six rushes for 24 yards now, third down and nine and Cooper over the middle.

And it's just a little long for Grace Mattox with less than a minute to play.

I think North Oconee is going to be forced to punt north.

Oconee has elected to punt on fourth down Little Miss Miss Connection right there between the quarterback and her playmaker Grace Mattox there.

I think Grace want to sit down in the open space quarterback wanted to throw her open and fell for it Incomplete pass so Maddox will punt here Stacy Kitchens back to receive it I'll kick it away from kitchens and this is not going to be Maddox's best effort They'll spot it at the 29 so first and 11 after a 20 yard punt and we will begin the fourth quarter with yellow jackets.

Football ahead, seven to nothing.

Southeast Bullock and Georgia they have never lost a flag football game 61 and oh all time looking for their third straight state title and they are 10 minutes away from polishing off yet another undefeated season just everybody else Oconee is trying to pull off the upset and they are in this game going into the fourth quarter, but they need a stop.

A state championship is on the line and we will crown a victor on the other side of this break.

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Fourth Quarter one Possession game.

Southeast Bullock.

North Oconee.

Happy to have you with us.

And boy the yellow jackets of southeast pull like they've got the lead now and well they're pretty tough to beat Hunt Look at these these numbers and facts 61 oh all time.

Got to love it again.

The offense is ever changing.

Ever.

So my defenses always change different looks.

It's always a reload here in southeast Bullock apparently in Brooklyn, Georgia.

So got him right where you wanted the yellowjackets with the football with the lead again tightened defense keep doing what you're doing Try to bend on break keep the ball in front of you.

Don't miss flag poles.

They are the standard bearers when it comes to flag football, if not in the state of Georgia, one of the top teams in the country, Corinne Tarkington.

And the pitch goes to kitchens.

Her chest passes it forward to Chloe Cochran.

Her flag yanked away instantly.

But it's a gain out to the 45 or the 35 officially playing on this tackle football field.

It is now second down and five north Oconee quite simply they have to get a stout yeah last year off the yellow jackets about an eight minute drive and point for the Titans defense.

Got to get off the field here talking to looking to throw and it's batted in the air grade hands Reece Riddle She hasn't played a lot of defense this year, Dave, but she has been on the field here in the state championship game.

Yeah, again, a basketball player, right?

So no surprise that we can get up there and not pass down.

Really good job right there on second down Huge play talking to an over shoots Natalia Odom and it's fourth down and five and not only does North Oconee for southeast Bullock to punt here Southeast Bullock has elected to punt but they're going to get the ball back with plenty of time southeast Bullock is going to get a knock off about 90 seconds off the game clock here very quick.

So if here from Bogart, Georgia, that's exactly what you were asking during the timeout right there at the court Change and this punt return Grace Maddox has it pulled and that was before she got the pitch off.

And well, North Oconee, they don't quite have the credentials that Southeast Bullock brings to play this afternoon.

Man, they turned it around after a losing record last year.

They lost to pace in the second round here in the state championship game.

Yeah and again their playoff run was no cupcake had a defeat North side Columbus had defeat Calvary Day from Savannah and also Columbus last Thursday.

So battle tested for sure while the Titans they revamped their entire offense this year coach Jay Lasley told us last night going about 90% pass keeper to the air and the pass batted and intercepted kings got it Avicii has it land Ryder a lap that looks like a ping pong ball ricocheting off a potties and southeast Bullock with first turnover of the day sometimes in the right space the right time very physical there by the defender and again the ball bounced right up into her lap.

So again we can see the excitement, the emotion, a little bit of frustration also.

So again, how exciting is flag football?

The ball bounced your ways, Mama doesn't little bump there after the play state championship on the line.

Emotions are high now.

There's one positive for Tony is there's still 7 minutes left they have three timeouts talking to in hoisted high in the air looking for Oden did reeling in Yes touchdown in Odom who's had a frustrating day with opportunities just made a massive catch to score game talk inter talk why not just take a shot right there you get the ball back and here comes the dagger, right?

Sometimes you got to risk it to get the biscuit.

Nice job right there.

Number two, staying with that pass all the way to the ground finally gets her big time play that she was so close to having all day long.

And now an extra point attempt.

They're going for one here from the three yard line.

Again, the goal line is the ten on this tackle football field pitch out the talking to offer back foot in complete and a flag going to come out.

I think they're going to get pass interference there on Taylor Dillard and you can kind of see some of the frustration really that the biggest penalty here right now for North Oconee is more time going to come off the clock pass interference, defense penalty.

We have to distance, retry the down the time piece.

A big deal.

You saw Coach Cochran on the bottom of your screen the last try just trying to slow down the quarterback as a play clock was running.

So with the Gamecocks, here we are we're going to reset and try it again.

Game clock still running and now we have a fresh set of 25 seconds for the play clock and southeast Bullock killing some time here.

There is no onside kick option in flag football so even a further 20 were to score they'd have to get the ball back from southeast Bullock and J.C. Kitchens up the middle for the extra point and it is 14 nothing south east Bullock They can taste again has some success in that formation right there Very tight bunch right there on the goal line very challenging to defend with all those bodies in the same spot right there.

So again, the back's against the wall here for the Titans.

But again, see what can happen.

Taking the defense gives us see we can move the ball downfield.

You mentioned there's no onside kicks for the win, a loser for the losing team.

So how quick can North Oconee score complete to riddle and a great pull.

Ava King boy she's had some big moments today catch in the first touchdown pass an interception moments ago to set up the second I mean you got to trust number ten right there because of that flag.

Not poor.

She's on the sideline.

So you can trust her with young kind of money, no doubt.

Big time.

Flag four right there.

Cooper A dart over the middle, complete to Maddox.

But another pull, this one from linebacker Kelsey Johnson short pick up gets the first down but again got to have a little tempo here and see the ball downfield a little bit here.

They move the ball down, feel a little faster, a lot of time going off the clock.

First down at 18. COOPER A deep ball, jump ball.

ODOM Did she control it?

No, incomplete.

She was babbling as she went out of bounds.

What a huge defensive play and more.

She's got that looking awry right now.

Yeah, You're seeing the Yellowjackets being a lot more confident flying around the football field.

A lot.

Nice job here.

By number 13, Reese but going up for high point the ball but again the same just coming over the top almost intercepts the ball Reese Riddle gave a great effort for the Titans I know she was out of bounds.

That was still a pretty impressive catch for Alex Odom.

Cooper can play to Maddox makes one tackler Miss good coverage Ava King again she's been all the place the senior player final minutes of flag football in her high school career.

That's just deja vu all over again right there on the island.

Next.

The first one, miss.

But even King says that's far enough.

Down the field.

The clock will stop with 2 minutes at the hands of Olivia DICKERSON.

And we hit the two minute warning.

Southeast pull is a two minute warning, 2 minutes away, perhaps one play away with fourth down coming up from ceiling, another state championship.

North Oconee has elected to go for it on fourth down north.

Oconee got the receiver open right there on that third down play What a chopped in the down and distance in half for the titans but sometimes that's how the mop flops.

It's a good one from midfield and it's caught still alive for those are 20 grace Maddox makes the catch.

The clock will stop as they run the ball for play.

But again, Norfolk County, they got to save those three timeouts for defense rights.

They got to go.

Right now we got to go.

Nice job by the senior wide receiver, a high point in this ball, She said.

I'm not quite done yet here today right there in traffic.

Here's the ball extended pick up two yards in full flax ball and that pass off the hands of Blake weeping Southeast Bullock playing in their third straight state championship.

They have never allowed a point in a state final and no cupcakes are handed out today including this one right so still got a lot of work to do for the Yellowjackets defense to keep that streak going.

Also, it gives you a feel for the mountain that North Dakota is trying to climb here in the final minute.

43.

You got to get in the end zone twice.

COOPER And it's caught by DICKERSON Johnson with the cold as Kaylee Moore took some contact there from.

DICKERSON Yeah.

You'd like to see some pitch relationships there, too, against in that play.

And although the ball's going to the first receiver to pitch to the next person and just a tie, Norman has not been able to set that up today.

Minute 25, North Oconee got a score.

You got to do it quickly if they have any chance of pulling off a comeback.

In his final couple of minutes, Cooper steps into it going deep riddle there offer hands incomplete Odom and King in coverage that will stop the clock.

All gas no breaks right here by a lot of playmakers just going for the ball again.

Good eye relationship right there.

Bryce Riddle to keep him trying to catch the ball even though she's falling to the ground.

A timeout called by North Oconee here, fourth down.

They've got to get this play right as severe.

The penalty is for taking that time out.

If you were to you don't score here this game is over or I should say you know pick a this first down.

This game is over.

I believe in southeast Bullitt, very close to the title.

It had to play almost a perfect minute for seconds.

The coach Lasley I mean talk about Triumph taking a team in just a second here in the state finals.

He told us last night they were just trying to build towards something a few years ago.

And we asked him, when did you feel like you had a team capable of getting this far?

And this second year he said, Well, there's about a minute left in the semifinal and we had the ball up by a score.

I felt like we'd get the high level coach right there by multiple sports.

No doubt he's very focused on the moment.

Right.

And not the big picture right state next play, next game and then north of Cornwall to collect it to go for it on fourth down.

No surprise there.

They've got to pick up 12 yards to get the first.

They got to go 32 yards for a steal.

Jackson Cooper seven for nine on this drive flowed over the top and what a catch Oh Min Grace Maddox Willie North Oconee end of the next zone You pretty good hands for a soccer player again not a scared to go get the ball again using her speed just high post pass as a big trust relationship right there playing quarterback in the receiver under a minute to play Cooper in the air looking for the goal line.

She overshot her.

You got to be careful though, in that ball over the top like that.

Number two, Alex Odom say the already has ten interceptions on the season So your risk right there for sure.

But again, we've got to take some shots only because of the score, the time and all the exactly time and score.

You can't worry too much about who's covering who.

You got to get in the end zone and do it fast.

The clock stops and the incompletion.

Southeast Bullock hasn't given up a touchdown in over a month.

COOPER Since it high in the air, Kelsey Johnson nearly has the glory to tell you.

Odom in on the play as well, even with two blockers back to give it enough time.

Cooper quotes ball for back foot and not the one that she wants.

You want that one back, No doubt.

A little bit off right there between the quarterback and the receiver.

Going to tell you, oh, man, she nearly had that pick like, no, no, this so third down another shot towards the end zone broken up.

I thought Alex Odom had it picked Grace Maddox gives North Oconee one more chance.

There is nobody backing down on this play.

The receiver flying over the top receiver coming down the field at receiver knows.

The safety is there.

There's no receivers there.

Again, best on best right there with Alex Odom and Grace Mack's going at it fourth in goal 15 yards away from the end zone 38 seconds left North Oconee trying to find some way to extend this game a little further southeast pull it the here you can call them state champions.

COOPER It's complete with the pull shy of the goal line and South east Bullock is going to win the state championship for the third consecutive year.

There's a good catch from Alexis Favro.

But just three yards short of getting North Oconee into the end zone, Yellow jacket defense doing exactly.

They've been doing all season long, keeping all the playmakers in front of them, pulling the flag belt exactly what you want on a fourth down a long play headed to the end zone keep everything in front of the flag and now north Oconee must have a turnover that's that's their only possible away and no pitching or anything else.

They're just a dash up the middle.

I have and they will not need to snap it again.

Southeast Bullock of 14 Nothing for their third consecutive state championship and they are now 62 and oh and look at the emotions pouring out Ava King the senior there, she hugs her coach, Marcy Cochran and North Oconee getting all the way to the state final.

A tie game at half.

They push southeast Bullock But mercy Nick Cochran, along with their seniors Ava King and many others state champions again Yeah no no cupcake today from the Yellow jackets come out on top of this one Shout out to the Titans from Bogart not afraid of the stage of the moment of the opponent.

Big drive right there to begin the third quarter by the Yellow Jackets to get the ball down the field, getting a rhythm get some points on the board and that's when you really see the fierce competitors.

Their eyes just lock into the goal and they know it's a reality.

And how about Corinne talking to the quarterback for Southeast Bullock?

She had a tough go over there in the first half, but in the second half she throws for nearly 60 yards, two touchdowns.

And southeast Bullock continues to be the standard bearer for flag football as they celebrate with their fans and classmates here in the near sideline.

And North Oconee, you know, they got the game in the fourth quarter where they wanted it.

And David felt like that interception on what was again, a bizarre ricochet off a couple of different parties was really the moment in the game where it changed it.

And on the very next play, Alex Odom snags her 21st touchdown of the season.

Yeah, again sometimes the ball the flag football ball bounces a little differently sometimes so just not the way you want the ball to bounce if you're the Titans and they're bringing their two previous state championship trophies to the podium, that's how you do it When you've won back to back state, back to back to back state titles.

If you're a baseball guy you'll know this reference reminds me of Thomas Maskey with the training video of the back to back to back training video.

I mean phenomenal opportunity right there to show the the previous state championship trophies.

Pretty cool moment too there for number 22, Nick Cochran and Marcy Cochran's daughter Chloe.

And a lot of smiles for a special senior class there as well.

You're looking at Addie Hood, Ava King, Haley Moore, Alex Odom.

I mean, this will be something they'll talk about any time with a state championship, you remember forever.

But to go through their careers, 62 and oh is senior class Taryn talking to them as well?

I mean talk about a dynasty.

North Oconee is going to get their runners up trophy here and for just a terrific second season.

They were knocked out in the second round last year by Pace Academy.

And now in your number two coach Jay Lasley and a special group of titans able to get to the state championship game.

And like we talked about, their goal is to get into the fourth quarter and they got it there today.

They play tremendous defense.

It all offensively just struggled to string a full drive together daily, something to keep your head up as you leave it.

This afternoon from Bogart, something to build on for the next year and the next year and the next year or so.

Not what you wanted, but definitely a big step forward here.

Like you said, for the second year program.

So North Oconee Titans finished their season 15 and three, the area champions and area six of the state runners up.

But it's time to celebrate the most dominant program in the state across any sport.

Southeast pulling three straight state championships and an all time record of 62.

And oh, we will send it down to John Nelson here momentarily.

And Nellie, take it away.

Thank you very much, Wylie.

Ballard, is that time when we get to present our first trophy of the week here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Before we go, thanks a lot to our friends from North Oconee.

Fantastic season.

Second year, making it to the last game of the year.

Well done here for the first championship.

But first, again and again and again.

This is getting old hat for our friends at Southeast Bullock to present the championship trophy.

The executive director of the Georgia High School Association, Dr. Robin Hines.

Thank you, John.

First off, I too, want to congratulate North Oconee and all of your fans for coming out and supporting these girls for our great season.

And what a great game.

Thank you so much.

And I know we're going to see you back here.

This course, it gives me great pleasure again and and again on behalf of Alpha Insurance and the Georgia High School Association to award you coach with the third consecutive state championship trophy and coach, I think it's important that we talk about I believe it's 62 in a row.

You've yet to lose.

What are doing different.

What's different about this group?

The heart, the determination they had to come out, win this game tells you enough about this team.

Awesome and congratulate you.

Thank you.

Dr. Hines, how difficult is it to continue to have this standard that you've set there in Brooklyn?

It's very difficult.

Everybody's bringing their A-game to us and we got to be one notch better every single game.

So it takes a lot of pride, lot of heart, a lot of dedication and a lot of fight.

If you saw that tonight, handful of seniors that have a part of this group since the absolute beginning.

When I mentioned these seniors, what comes to mind?

I mean, I know most of them.

I shouldn't say we're in middle school.

We got to like together and they're a really good grape and we couldn't do it without them.

They're great leaders on and off the field, so I'm super excited.

They got their third ranking 62 and a fantastic for flag football here in the state of Georgia and in high schools all around southeast Bullock state champs one more time while I balance all of you.

Thanks, Natalie.

Again, southeast Bullock I mean, what an incredible three year run for this program and a brand new sport inside the GHC.

And I'd say they've hit the ground running and then some 62 and oh, all time.

You look at those faces and man, that senior class, Ava King, along with Addie Hood and so many others, Karin talking to me.

The list goes on and on as far as those seniors go.

And we welcome you back inside of the television booth, Mercedes Benz Stadium alongside Dave Reynolds of Wiley Ballard.

And you know, Dave, when you look at what Southeast Bullock has put together, not just over the last three years, but particularly today, they were frustrated there in that first half.

North Oconee held them scoreless.

This game was a grind.

What do you think changed for them in the second half?

Again, sometimes in this game, all you need is just one play to come your way and take full advantage.

And we saw that no doubt again, that the fierce competitor, the eyes were just locked into the mission to the goal.

And so it was a again for the yellow Jackets, definitely something that if you just keep doing what got you here, eventually you hope the ball bounces your way and and it definitely did number ten right there.

Definitely a big part of of the success of that for the Yellowjackets yeah Ava King the go ahead touchdown late in the third quarter and really the game deciding interception there in the fourth that was followed by another touchdown that gave Southeast Bullock that insurmountable two score lead.

And Dave, I mean you saw the emotion there from Marci Cochran and what what this group means to her.

And and as far as like football is concerned, I think you start calling Marci Cochran, the godmother, if you will, of flag football inside the state.

Again, not only is she really, really good at coaching on the football field, but she's also not afraid to share the commonwealth with everybody across state who will ask questions, give her a phone call.

There's other people across the state who are really good at flag football, so shout out to the Cochranes have given me those ambassadors of the sport for for flag football.

They can turn that quick as well.

North Oconee just their second year competing for a state championship but yes, it's number three back to back to back south east pulling the first of 11 state champions.

We will crown this week inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and no Greater Dynasty than the Yellowjackets and Brooklyn, Georgia, a fierce competitive rough state championship here in Division one.

But ultimately, it's Goliath.

That house last David in the second half, 40 quarters more of football here inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

We've got to tackle games today, a couple more flag games the next two days and plenty of football.

We've got a wall to wall coverage here on GPB Sports.

A huge thanks to our entire crew, our producer, Steve Graham, our executive producer, Kevin Durkee, our statistician, Kevin Barnes, our analysts David Reynolds and Wiley Ballard saying, So long, we're not good bye.

We've got to play more football coming your way on GPB right on down the road.

And you did one just fine.

One a car in front of you crosses over the line there in your space.

Now, looking at your face district, the drivers are all over the place.

Say we will, we buckle up, say we will, we will buckle up.

What you're doing.

Hey, just finishing this plan to get Dave back on the road nice.

Oh, wonder what Dave's to you.

Do your thing.

We've got you covered.

Hey, everyone.

Welcome to the GPB tailgate party.

Good.

And we're live at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the 2020 GHC Boys and Girls Football Championships.

Now, while the team's warm up, I'm going to be here on set getting you ready for the game by live interviews on set.

You never know who's going to stop by.

We'll hear from players who will name RG Bebe All-State Team Special Features.

Jon will join me.

There is so much to do, so stick with us.

First, we just wrapped up very first game of the whole week.

Let's take a look at the score on the Georgia's EMC scoreboard.

Georgia's EMC, so much more than electricity.

It was the flag Division one championship game.

Southeast Bullock beat North Oconee 14 to nothing.

They are now undefeated at 62 and in program history and that is their third state championship in a row.

They are the most dominant team in the state in any sport.

So with that being said, let's send it down to the field where Jon Nelson, our Cotton Commission player of the game.

Thank you very much, Hannah.

The Georgia Cotton Commission, the natural choice for Georgia and our natural choice for player of the Game, Ava King, one of the seniors for Southeast Bullock Come on in here, Kay.

Come on, Come on.

Zoom in at the play of the game.

Here we go.

All right.

Touchdown catch And a pick as a part of all of this, 62 and oh, when I mentioned 62 and oh, what comes to mind?

I mean, it's just like it doesn't happen.

I mean, it's amazing.

It's been amazing to be part of it.

This team is just they're unreal.

I love them so much.

How difficult has it been to repeat and repeat and repeat?

Because like I said, I got to ask Coach about it, but how difficult has it been these last couple of years?

It's been very difficult.

The first year, you know, it was amazing.

The second year it got a little bit harder and then this year it was a lot harder and just it's been super difficult.

But the team that we have, we just we power through adversity.

I mean, we just get it done.

All right.

So one of the things I wanted to focus on is on the inside of your right arm.

It is a it is a hashtag.

And go ahead and show it right there.

Stand on business.

That's been the motto for Southeast Bullock.

So break that down for everybody who may not know about what's going on.

An East Georgia stand on business.

So what does that mean?

It just means do I mean take care of business, You know, do what your what you've practiced, do what you practice on the field and do it off field as well.

Just take care of business.

You know, like when these games do the best you can in practice, but overall, just win the games.

Last question for you and thanks for hanging out as our commission player of the game.

There were a lot of folks Coach challenged the group from Brooklyn to come here.

What was it like to have that fan support here at Mercedes-Benz?

Because that's a three and a half hour drive.

Oh yeah.

It's it's amazing.

They're the best fans.

It's just like this back at home and Brooklyn, Georgia.

And I'm just so thankful that they were able to come all the way up here for it.

So they're the best, the King Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game, the Georgia Cotton Commission, the natural choice for Georgia, and our natural choice for player of the Game for championship game number one here this week at Mercedes-Benz.

Hanna, back up to you on mid level.

Yeah John in the books.

So much more action to come.

We'll have tackle football at four and at 7:00 tonight.

So many more teams players to crown but what about the players who have excelled all season long?

It's time to unveil our 2023.